Reflections On The Stock Industry

For those in the stock photo industry October is always a time for
intense networking and education in New York with Visual Connections,
the PACA International Conference and PhotoPlus Expo. Now that these
events are over its time to reflect things learned. Here are a few of my
take-aways.

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Jim Pickerell is founder of www.selling-stock.com, an online newsletter that publishes daily. He is also available for personal telephone consultations on pricing and other matters related to stock photography. He occasionally acts as an expert witness on matters related to stock photography. For his current curriculum vitae go to: http://www.jimpickerell.com/Curriculum-Vitae.aspx.

Comments

Bill BachmannJim,

I write this from Peru.... Machu Picchu to be exact. I either go to or speak at PhotoPlus every year and hated that I missed it this year. But just returned from Greek Islands and now Peru/Ecuacor/ Galapagos Islands.

Thanks for the overview of PhotoPlus since I could not go this year. Just remember in your "summaries & ideas" that many photographers, like myself, are still working commercially and also doing well in stock. Remember that it is not all GLOOM & DOOM. I traveled around the USA this summer shooting and also giving lectures around the country to photographer groups. I still have a positive message.... you can shoot what you love and, if you are good enough in photography & in your business practices, you CAN succeed. My newest book helps with the business systems to be successful.

People are reading this newest book and telling me great stories after they get the system down that are successful for them. That makes me proud. And I do love to talk with photographer groups so I am open to come to various parts of the country to spread the word that you CAN still be successful in stock today!

I am glad you are out there, Jim, but you tend to concentrate on the gloom. I know many people that are still doing well in this poor economy. You & I have a long history and you know how strongly I believe in NOT going the RF, and especially the Microstock routes.

www.billbachmann.com
Posted on
Nov 2, 2011

Robert DahlAnd, apparently, writing and promoting books about producing stock is a pretty good extension of the stock business as well!
Posted on
Nov 3, 2011

Bill BachmannActually, Robert, I don't even break even on books. Nor do I try. Don't know you, but hope you are doing well in RM stock.

But I do CARE about the photography business and hate to see people think they have to go the Microstock route. It has been a good career, and I want it to continue to be when I am gone.... and if everyone sells images for pennies of profit, the career of photographer will become only a part-time thing for people to have beer money.

www.billbachmann.com
Posted on
Nov 4, 2011

Tim McGuireWow. That's what I thought. Time to get out of this business... or at least it's time to get out of the creator end of it.
Posted on
Nov 5, 2011

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